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CSC Team Presentation

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CSC Team Presentation

Thomas Valentinsen Reports from Denmark

On Saturday, December 28, 2002 professional cycling team CSC introduced its 2003 roster to leading members of the press in the city of Herning, Denmark. The well-planned team presentation show clearly reflected the professionalism that is the symbol of Team CSC. 18 of the team?s 20 professional riders attended the presentation - many of them flown in from their residences in various parts of Europe. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>

The riders entered the stage on their brand new red, white and black Cervelo Soloist Team bikes.

Italian rider Andrea Tafi is one of the team?s new acquisitions for the 2003 season. Tafi told the audience that he chose to sign with Team CSC because he believes that Team CSC is the team that will give him the best chances in the spring classics. Tafi further said that he intends to prioritize the same races that he has done in his past years with the Mapei squad. In spite of Tafi being 36 years old he still experience absolutely no difficulties with finding the needed motivation. He plans to win races for the sake of the whole team and in order to give Danish cycling fans some great moments to enjoy. He further intends to make younger team members profit from his many years of experience with cycling.

Jakob Piil, winner of this year?s Paris-Tours, was voted Danish cyclist of the year and is looking forward to another successful season for the Danish team.

In the 2002 season, Nikki Sorensen focused on races taking place early in the year. Next year it is his intention to top in April.

http://www.csc-tiscali.com/gfx/tyler-post-dk.jpg The show now focused on Tyler Hamilton who presented an x-ray shot of his fractured shoulder taken during this year?s Giro d?Italia. He told the audience that a tendon in the shoulder had been torn by 20%. In spite of all of the bad luck during the past year, Hamilton considers 2002 a great year for him and the rest of the team. The highlight of the year was his podium finish in the Giro, placing 2nd overall riding with a fractured shoulder during most of the race. Being team leader in a grand tour was a major challenge for Hamilton who told the audience that being a "Mr. nice guy" type of leader hasn?t proved to be difficult.

On his expectations for 2003 Hamilton said that Lance Armstrong can be beaten. Armstrong is still a good friend but definitely still a competitor. The recipe of success? First break down his team, then attack him. "We have a strong team and we can do it," Hamilton said.